The ban, which has been approved by the Irish Dancing Commission, an Coimisiun le Rinnci Gaelacha, also includes the wearing of false eyelashes.

The change in the rules was announced on the commission's website. It said: "Make-up (including false eyelashes) is not permitted for dancers, in either solo or team competitions, up to and including the under-10 age group. Effective March 1, 2014."

The commission has also outlawed what it calls 'Artificial Carriage Aids' on the arms of dancers.

These have been used by numerous young competitors to help keep their arms straight while dancing.

The commission says that the rule is being brought in for health and safety reasons, and a simple test of getting a dancer to raise their arms to shoulder level will be carried out. In the event of a failure, a competitor will not be allowed to perform.

The rule changes make no mention of the use of curly wigs by young female dancers.